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Coming off their second victory of the year, the Windy City Bulls hosted the Wisconsin Herd for a second time in three nights. The Bulls got off to a fast start taking a 8-0 lead in the first two minutes of the game. The Herd recovered and stormed back with a few buckets to get take their first lead of the game.
Bulls had some good looks in the first quarter, but didn’t capitalize on several easy buckets. The Herd with a lead entering the second quarter. The slump continued into the early stages of the quarter, with point-blank misses at the basket.
Jovan Freeman-Liberty is the only one with the hot hand tonight, got to ride with him. The Bulls made a run deep into the second quarter and got back the lead. Pushing the ball, playing aggressive defense, is how you get back into a game, which is exactly what they did. The half ends on a stepback fadeaway from Freeman-Liberty at the buzzer! Big time shot.
Heading into halftime the Bulls have a 47-45 lead, in a game of runs by each team. Ben Coupet Jr. with a quiet team leading 15 points, followed by Freeman-Liberty’s 10. The Herd lead by James Akinjo’s 13 points and followed by 12 from Tyler Smith.
Sloppy start to the second half by the Bulls, turnovers, makeable shots missed, looks a lot like the earlier on in the game. The Bulls couldn’t buy a bucket in the third quarter. I mean like for real, 7 point quarter. Even with the shooting woes, they remain down by single digits heading into the fourth. Herd lead 63-54. Remarkably anyone’s game still. Who will step up for the Bulls in the 4th?
The Bulls start the quarter in with more urgency and attack, cutting the Herd lead to 63-59. Lack of consistent offense and ball security might doom Windy City tonight. They are hanging around within reach even with all the struggles.
Ultimately the hustle and strong defensive output couldn’t outweigh the shooting struggles. The Bulls fall to the Herd, 86-77. Freeman-Liberty lead the Bulls with 19 points and 13 rebounds, while David Muoka put on an impressive defensive performance with 13 rebounds and 6 blocks. James Akinjo was the top scorer of the game, with 25 points for the Herd.
Adama Sanogo size was missed in this game. Wisconsin’s length played a big factor in the shot selection. The Bulls put up 92 FG attempts on 30% shooting.
NOTES:
Justise Winslow, former top 10 pick of the Miami Heat, now on the Herd roster. He’s attempting to make an NBA return, was in attendance, but didn’t suit up. I always liked his game and thought he was a valuable wing, even if he didn’t pan out to his draft status.
PLAYER OF THE GAME:
Javon Freeman-Liberty was all over the court, consistent hustle and winning 50-50 balls. He’s positioning himself for an NBA call-up. He’s the type of hard nosed defender that can score and is a playmaker that NBA teams crave.
UP NEXT:
Windy City heads back on the road to wrap up the month on November 30th, for a back-to-back against the Indiana Mad Ants. Another divisional opponent that’s right above the Bulls in the standings.
